Wireless communication method, apparatus and system for transmitting sidelink signals using an exceptional resource pool

ABSTRACT

There are provided an apparatus, a method and a system, at a first node, and the apparatus comprises: a transmitter operative to transmit sidelink signals to a second node; and a controller operative to determine whether to use an exceptional resource pool based on at least one of a first condition and a second condition, for the transmitter to transmit sidelink signals, wherein the first condition includes that a first channel busy ratio measured during a first congestion control operation regarding a current resource pool is higher than a first threshold, and the second condition includes that at least one packet is determined to be dropped during the first congestion control operation.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present technology relates to wireless communication field, and moreparticular, to a wireless communication method, apparatus and system.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a wireless communication field, end-user radio or wireless terminals,also known as user equipments (UEs), communicate via a wireless networksuch as a radio access network (RAN) with a radio base station (RBS),also called “eNodeBs” (eNBs). The radio access network (RAN) covers ageographical area which is divided into cell areas, with each cell areabeing served by a radio base station. And in Device-to-Device (D2D)communication field, a UE can wirelessly communicate sidelink signalswith other UEs based on congestion control on a resource pool.

Other than a traditional, normal resource pool, an exceptional resourcepool concept was introduced for D2D (3GPP LTE Release-12/13 (Rel-12/13))in order to minimize service interruption. That is, exceptionally, a UEcan autonomously switch from scheduled resource allocation mode toautonomous resource allocation mode by using resources from acommTxPoolExceptional message under certain conditions which aredetailed in the following.

For Rel-13, in only three following conditions, a UE shall configurelower layers to transmit the sidelink control information (SCI) and thecorresponding data by using the exceptional resource pool, and the threeconditions are:

Radio Link Failure (RLF): if a timer T310 or T311 is running; and if aprimary cell (PCell) at which the UE detected physical layer problems orradio link failure broadcasts a SystemInformationBlockType18 messageincluding a commTxPoolExceptional flag; or

Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Reestablishment: if a timer T301is running and a cell at which the UE initiated connectionre-establishment broadcasts a SystemInformationBlockType18 messageincluding a commTxPoolExceptional flag.

In RRC Idle: if a SystemInformationBlockType18 message does not includea commTxPoolNormalCommon flag.

In this case, from the moment the UE initiates connection establishmentuntil receiving an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message including asl-CommConfig flag or until receiving an RRCConnectionRelease message oran RRCConnectionReject message.

It has been agreed in 3gpp RANI that, in vehicle-to-X(V2X)/vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) UE autonomous resource selection, sensingwith semi-persistent transmission is used for resource selection. A UEtransmits a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) data (when the datais available) on a selected set of periodically occurring resourcesuntil a resource reselection occurs. The UE can indicate the reservationof future resource in a Scheduling Assignment (SA) channel. By decodingthe SA channel from the past, the UE knows which resources are notavailable for transmission in the future. Sensing is done within asensing window (e.g., 1000 ms) before packets' arrival, as shown inFIG. 1. Both SA decoding and energy measurement are supported for thesensing.

In V2X/V2V, in order to increase the efficiency of the resource usage, atraffic with different priorities can share the same resource pool. Thepriority is indicated in the Sidelink Control Information (SCI) and usedfor resource selection. The overall basic principle of sensing withsemi-persistent transmission for V2X/V2V UE autonomous resourceselection is described with reference to FIG. 1 as below. FIG. 1schematically shows an application scenario for UE autonomous resourceselection mode in the prior art.

Based on latest RANI agreements and specifications, there are basicallyfew steps to carry out the detailed resource selection for UE autonomousresource selection mode, for example

Step 1: All the resources are considered available.

Step 2: the UE excludes resources based on SA decoding and measuredSidelink Reference Signal Received Power (S-RSRP), and finds outavailable resources with a certain ratio of the number of the totalresources.

Step 3: the UE selects its transmission resource from the resources notexcluded based on ranking measured Sidelink Received Signal StrengthIndicator (S-RSSI).

With these three steps, the UE uses the selected transmission resourceto transmit sidelink signals to other UEs.

SUMMARY

Congestion control was discussed in RANI and many companies supported todo congestion control in the physical layer to satisfy the EuropeanTelecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) regulation. But how tocombine congestion control function with current sensing/resourceselection procedures in layer one (L1) V2V standard (like three stepsmentioned above) is not clear. The congestion control may cause packetdropping for some UE & Applications, for example, when a measuredchannel busy ratio is high. At the same time, there might be availablecapacity in the system (e.g. in the Exceptional Resources).

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus, at a first node, comprising: a transmitter operative totransmit sidelink signals to a second node; and a controller operativeto determine whether to use an exceptional resource pool based on atleast one of a first condition and a second condition, for thetransmitter to transmit sidelink signals, wherein the first conditionincludes that a first channel busy ratio measured during a firstcongestion control operation regarding a current resource pool is higherthan a first threshold, and the second condition includes that at leastone packet is determined to be dropped during the first congestioncontrol operation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method, at a first node, comprising: a step of transmitting sidelinksignals to a second node; and a step of determining whether to use anexceptional resource pool based on at least one of a first condition anda second condition, for the transmitter to transmit sidelink signals,wherein the first condition includes that a first channel busy ratiomeasured during a first congestion control operation regarding a currentresource pool is higher than a first threshold, and the second conditionincludes that at least one packet is determined to be dropped during thefirst congestion control operation.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a system, at a first node, comprising: one or more processors;a memory coupled with the one or more processors, when executed by theone or more processors, to perform the method as mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows an application scenario for UE autonomousresource selection mode in the prior art.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a block diagram of an apparatus at a firstnode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an application scenario for a step 2 of UEautonomous resource selection.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a flowchart of a method at a first nodeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a block diagram of a system at a first nodeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 5,which relate to a wireless communication method, apparatus and system.It is understood that the present technology may be embodied in manydifferent forms and in many different orders and should not be construedas being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the present technology to those skilledin the art. Indeed, the present technology is intended to coveralternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, whichare included within the scope and spirit of the technology as defined bythe appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed descriptionof the present technology, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology.However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent technology may be practiced without such specific details.

While orders of the steps of the methods and the structures of thecomponents are provided herein for exemplary purposes, but not forlimitation. The following detailed description of the technology will bepresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching. The described embodiments were chosen in order tobest explain the principles of the technology and its practicalapplication to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe technology in various embodiments and with various modifications asare suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that thescope of the technology be defined by the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a block diagram of an apparatus 200 at afirst node according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus 200 includes: a transmitter 201 operative to transmitsidelink signals to a second node; and a controller 202 operative todetermine whether to use an exceptional resource pool based on at leastone of a first condition and a second condition, for the transmitter totransmit sidelink signals, wherein the first condition includes that afirst channel busy ratio measured during a first congestion controloperation regarding a current resource pool is higher than a firstthreshold, and the second condition includes that at least one packet isdetermined to be dropped during the first congestion control operation.

Thus, the exceptional resource pool is not only used in the only threeconditions mentioned in the prior art (e.g., RLF, RRC ConnectionReestablishment, and RRC Idle as the agreed Rel.13/Rel.14 conditions),but also used in new conditions, such as the at least one of the firstcondition and the second condition. The first condition and the secondcondition both are related to a first congestion control performed onthe current resource pool (not including the exceptional resource pool).So during the first congestion control performed on the current resourcepool, in a condition that a first channel busy ratio measured during thefirst congestion control operation regarding a current resource pool ishigher than a first threshold, or in a condition that at least onepacket is determined to be dropped during the first congestion controloperation, or in a condition that the first channel busy ratio measuredduring the first congestion control operation regarding the currentresource pool is higher than a first threshold and at least one packetis determined to be dropped during the first congestion controloperation, the exceptional resource pool can be considered to be used toexpand the available resources to be selected for transmitting signals,so that the packets can be prevented from being dropped or can bedropped less, and the resources can be maintained not too congested, andthe resource utilization can be optimized.

To be noted that the first node and the second node may be both UEs, andthey communicate sidelink signals between them. And the UEs are in UEautonomous resource allocation mode.

The concept of channel busy ratio (CBR) mentioned herein generally meanshow many resources of the total resources are occupied based on acertain signal strength to reflect congestion situation in the wirelesscommunication, and it can be observed at both UE side and eNB side orreported by the UE to the eNB. By measuring the CBR, the UE or eNB couldtake relevant action for congestion control based on a degree of theCBR. Therefore, the CBR measurement is a basis for congestion control.And the larger the CBR is, the more congested the resources are.

As an example but not for limitation, the CBR can be measured by thefollowing formula (1)CBR=occupied number/total number  formula (1)

The occupied number indicates a number of calculation units of radiosignal which have powers larger than a power threshold, and the totalnumber indicates a total number of the calculation units of radio signalas mentioned above.

The calculation units of radio signal for CBR may include one or morephysical resource blocks (PRBs), or one or more resource block groups(RBGs) or other units for calculating the powers, and the powers mayinclude radio signal power strength, or power spectrum density or othersfor evaluating the power degree or usage degree.

However, the details mentioned on the CBR is only for illustration, butnot for limitation, and other concepts equivalent to the CBR torepresent the congestion degree of the resource pool can be alsoutilized herein to replace the CBR.

In an embodiment, the controller 202 is operative to determine to usethe exceptional resource pool further in a third condition, wherein thethird condition includes that a second channel busy ratio measuredduring a second congestion control operation regarding the exceptionalresource pool is lower than a second threshold.

Thus, in the at least one of a first condition and a second condition,whether to the exception resource pool is further based on thecongestion degree of the exception resource pool, and if the secondchannel busy ratio measured during a second congestion control operationregarding the exceptional resource pool is lower than a secondthreshold, which means the exceptional resource pool is not socongested, the exception resource pool can be used, thereby guaranteeingthat the exceptional resource pool is not overused.

In an embodiment, the second threshold is same with or different fromthe first threshold. Actually, the first threshold for judging whetherthe current resource pool (not including the exceptional resource pool)is congested can be different from the second threshold for judgingwhether the exceptional resource pool is congested, or can be the samewith the second threshold. The present invention does not limit it.

In an embodiment, the controller 202 is operative to determine to usethe exceptional resource pool further in a fourth condition, wherein thefourth condition includes that priority of the at least one packetdetermined to be dropped is higher than a third threshold. In anembodiment, the priority may be e.g., ProSe Per-Packet Priority (PPPP),or may be (pre-) configured by other rules.

Thus, in the condition that the at least one packet is determined to bedropped, whether to use the exceptional resource pool to transmit suchat least one packet is further based on the priority of the at least onepacket, because if the priority of the at least one packet is too low(or lower than or equal to the third threshold), which means the atleast one packet is not so important, and can be dropped, such at leastone packet is to be dropped without occupying the exceptional resourcepool. However, if the priority of the at least one packet is higher thanthe third threshold, which means the at least one packet may beimportant, and should not be dropped, such at least one packet can betransmitted by occupying the exceptional resource pool, thereby furtherimproving the resource utilization.

In another embodiment, which UEs (i.e., the first node) are capable ofselecting resources from the exceptional resource pool can also be (pre)configured or based on priorities of the UEs.

In an embodiment, the controller 201 is operative to determine whetherto use the exceptional resource pool in a first step (i.e., the step 2mentioned in the background portion) of determining a subset ofresources to be excluded during Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH)resource selection or in a second step (i.e., the step 3 mentioned inthe background portion) of ranking candidate resources based on measuredS-RSSI (Sidelink Received Signal Strength Indicator) and selectingresources after performing the first step.

The details are described with reference to FIG. 3 as below. FIG. 3schematically shows an application scenario for a step 2 of UEautonomous resource selection.

In an embodiment, in a case that the controller 202 is operative todetermine whether to use the exceptional resource pool in the first step(i.e., step 2 of V2X/V2V UE autonomous resource selection as shown inFIG. 3), the controller 202 is operative to: increase a S-RSRP (SidelinkReference Signal Received Power) threshold to allow more candidateresources within a resource selection window for a predetermined numberof times until substantially m % resources of total resources areavailable; if a channel busy ratio (CBR) measured within a CBRmeasurement window is higher than a fourth threshold, determine to usethe exceptional resource pool without performing the second step (i.e.,the step 3 of V2X/V2V UE autonomous resource selection); and if CBRmeasured within a CBR measurement window is not higher than the fourththreshold, perform the second step.

In particular, in step 2 (i.e., the UE procedure for determining thesubset of resources to be excluded in PSSCH resource selection), it isrequired that the UE should find m % (e.g., 20%) available resources oftotal resources within a selection window. If an initial operation onexcluding resources based on the measured Reference Signal ReceivedPower (RSRP) cannot guarantee m % available resources, the UE willincrease e.g., 3 dB for the S-RSRP threshold for a limited number oftimes until the UE find substantially m % resources (e.g., m is 20) forthe resource selection in step 3. To be noted that, because the numberof times for increasing 3 dB each time is limited, the UE may not findexactly m % resources (e.g., m is 20) for the resource selection, butmay find almost or nearly m % resources (e.g., 19%, 18%, and so on) forthe resource selection. So the ratio of the available resources to thetotal resources may not be limited to exactly m %.

Some details are described in FIG. 3. A UE1 will decide whether acandidate resource Data1_UE1 is excluded or not in step 2. Assuming thatthe UE1 has decoded the SA signal and knows a UE2's reservation (i.e.,reserved resources), for example Data1_UE2, Data2_UE2 and Data3_UE2 andso on, if the measured S-RSRP of Data1_UE2 is larger than the S-RSRPthreshold (for example, S-RSRP threshold 1 in the following table 1),the UE1 should exclude the candidate resource Data2_UE1. Note that theS-RSRP threshold is obtained from a certain threshold table configuredby RRC or preconfigured in the specification, and the UEs know suchvalue based on transmission packet's priority and the priority indicatedin the decoded SA. The table 1 is as follows

TABLE 1 Configured or preconfigured S-RSRP threshold table Priority 1Priority 2 in decoded SA in decoded SA Priority 1 of S-RSRP threshold 1S-RSRP threshold 2 transmission packet Priority 2 of S-RSRP threshold 3S-RSRP threshold 4 transmission packet

The UE will repeat such procedure based on the decoded SA and thetransmission packet and finally determine available candidate resources.

In particular, in the end of the step 2, if the channel busy ratio (CBR)on the determined available candidate resources within the congestioncontrol measurement window (e.g., 100 ms) exceeds a certainnew_threshold_1, the UE directly uses the exceptional resource pool forresource transmission and will not go to step 3. Otherwise, UE will goto step 3 based on normal resource pool (not including the exceptionalresource pool).

In an embodiment, in a case that the controller 202 is operative todetermine whether to use the exceptional resource pool in the first step(i.e., the step 2 of V2X/V2V UE autonomous resource selection), thecontroller 202 is operative to: calculate a ratio of the number of theavailable resources to the number of all resources without increasing aS-RSRP (Sidelink Reference Signal Received Power) threshold; if theratio is smaller than a fifth threshold, determine to use theexceptional resource pool without performing the second step; if theratio is not smaller than the fifth threshold, perform the second step.

In this embodiment, the UE will not increase 3 dB for S-RSRP thresholdand find more available resources. If the ratio of the number ofcandidate resources to the number of all resources within a selectionwindow is smaller than a certain new_threshold_2 (e.g., 5% or 10% oftotal candidate resources in step 1), the UE will use exceptional poolfor transmission.

In an embodiment, the first step (step 2) includes increasing a S-RSRPthreshold to allow more candidate resources within a resource selectionwindow until substantially m % resources of total resources areavailable and not including the congestion control operation, in a casethat the controller 202 is operative to determine whether to use theexceptional resource pool in the second step (step 3) after performingthe first step (step 2), the controller 202 is operative to: if achannel busy ratio measured within a CBR measurement window is higherthan a fourth threshold, determine to select resources in theexceptional resource pool to use.

This embodiment is to describe how to do congestion control and use theexceptional resource pool in step 3. In this embodiment, the UE will nottake congestion control into account in step 2 and anyhow in step 2, theUE will finally find for example 20% candidate resources based on thecurrent procedure (e.g., by unlimitedly increasing 3 dB for S-RSRPthreshold several times) and then go with step 3.

In particular, in step 3 (UE procedure for ranking candidate resourcesbased on measured S-RSSI and selecting resources), the UE will not usethe normal resource pool (the current resource pool not including theexceptional resource pool) to transmit sidelink channel data if the CBRof a congestion control measurement window (e.g., 100 ms) is higher thancertain threshold. In this case, the UE shall rather use the ExceptionalPool to transmit the sidelink channel data.

Of course, the above embodiments related to steps 2 and 3 do not takethe congestion degree of the exceptional resource pool and the priorityof the packet to be dropped into account, but the embodiments are notlimited to this. If considering the congestion degree of the exceptionalresource pool and the priority of the packet, the above embodiment instep 3 can be modified as another embodiment, and this modifiedembodiment is to describe how the UE uses the exceptional resource poolis based on the CBR of exceptional pool together with the packetpriority. In particular, if as a result of the CBR measurement procedureand the priority of UE's sidelink transmission packets in question,i.e., the packet needs to be dropped, then the UE is allowed to use theExceptional pool in the condition that: the CBR of the Exceptional Poolis below a certain new_Threshold_3 (i.e., the third condition) and/or,the priority of the packet in question is higher than new_Threshold_4(i.e., the fourth condition).

That is, in all, whether to use the exceptional resource pool is basedon the at least one of the first condition and the second condition asabove mentioned, or additionally further based on the at least one ofthe third condition and the fourth condition as above mentioned.

In other words, the embodiments may include:

1. whether to use the exceptional resource pool is based on the firstcondition.

2. whether to use the exceptional resource pool is based on the secondcondition.

3. whether to use the exceptional resource pool is based on the firstcondition and the second condition (the two conditions should both bemet).

4. whether to use the exceptional resource pool is based on the at leastone of the first condition and the second condition and the thirdcondition.

5. whether to use the exceptional resource pool is based on the at leastone of the first condition and the second condition and the fourthcondition.

6. whether to use the exceptional resource pool is based on the at leastone of the first condition and the second condition and the thirdcondition and the fourth condition (the two conditions should both bemet).

And the determination on whether to use the exceptional resource poolmay be performed in the first step (step 2) as above mentioned, or inthe second step (step 3) as above mentioned.

Thus, with the embodiments of the present invention, the exceptionalresource pool can be efficiently utilized, thereby preventing packetdropping, avoiding congestion of normal resource pool, and improvingresource utilization.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a flowchart of a method 400 at a first nodeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

The method 400 comprises: a step S401 of transmitting sidelink signalsto a second node; and a step S402 of determining whether to use anexceptional resource pool based on at least one of a first condition anda second condition, for the transmitter to transmit sidelink signals,wherein the first condition includes that a first channel busy ratiomeasured during a first congestion control operation regarding a currentresource pool is higher than a first threshold, and the second conditionincludes that at least one packet is determined to be dropped during thefirst congestion control operation.

In an embodiment, the step of determining S402 further includesdetermining to use the exceptional resource pool further in a thirdcondition, wherein the third condition includes that a second channelbusy ratio measured during a second congestion control operationregarding the exceptional resource pool is lower than a secondthreshold.

In an embodiment, the second threshold is same with or different fromthe first threshold.

In an embodiment, the step of determining 402 further includesdetermining to use the exceptional resource pool further in a fourthcondition, wherein the fourth condition includes that priority of the atleast one packet determined to be dropped is higher than a thirdthreshold.

In an embodiment, the step of determining S402 includes determiningwhether to use the exceptional resource pool in a first step ofdetermining a subset of resources to be excluded during PhysicalSidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) resource selection or in a second stepof ranking candidate resources based on measured S-RSSI (SidelinkReceived Signal Strength Indicator) and selecting resources afterperforming the first step.

In an embodiment, in a case that the step of determining S402 includesdetermining whether to use the exceptional resource pool in the firststep, the step of determining S402 includes:

increasing a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference Signal Received Power) thresholdto allow more candidate resources within a resource selection window fora predetermined number of times until substantially m % resources oftotal resources are available; if a channel busy ratio (CBR) measuredwithin a CBR measurement window is higher than a fourth threshold,determining to use the exceptional resource pool without performing thesecond step; and if CBR measured within a CBR measurement window is nothigher than the fourth threshold, performing the second step.

In an embodiment, in a case that the step of determining S402 includesdetermining whether to use the exceptional resource pool in the firststep, the step of determining S402 includes: calculating a ratio of thenumber of the available resources to the number of all resources withoutincreasing a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference Signal Received Power)threshold; if the ratio is smaller than a fifth threshold, determiningto use the exceptional resource pool without performing the second step;if the ratio is not smaller than the fifth threshold, performing thesecond step.

In an embodiment, the first step includes increasing a S-RSRP thresholdto allow more candidate resources within a resource selection windowuntil substantially m % resources of total resources are available andnot including the congestion control operation, in a case that the stepof determining S402 includes determining whether to use the exceptionalresource pool in the second step after performing the first step, thestep of determining S402 includes: if a channel busy ratio measuredwithin a CBR measurement window is higher than a fourth threshold,determining to select resources in the exceptional resource pool to use.

Thus, with the embodiments of the present invention, the exceptionalresource pool can be efficiently utilized, thereby preventing packetdrop, avoiding resource pool congestion, and improving resourceutilization.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a block diagram of a system 500 at a firstnode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system 500, at a first node, comprising: one or more processors 501;a memory 502 coupled with the one or more processors, when executed bythe one or more processors, to perform the method 400 as above mentionedwith reference to FIG. 4.

Thus, with the embodiments of the present invention, the exceptionalresource pool can be efficiently utilized, thereby preventing packetdrop, avoiding resource pool congestion, and improving resourceutilization.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure can at least providethe following subject matters.

1) An apparatus, at a first node, comprising:

a transmitter operative to transmit sidelink signals to a second node;and

a controller operative to determine whether to use an exceptionalresource pool based on at least one of a first condition and a secondcondition, for the transmitter to transmit sidelink signals,

wherein the first condition includes that a first channel busy ratiomeasured during a first congestion control operation regarding a currentresource pool is higher than a first threshold, and the second conditionincludes that at least one packet is determined to be dropped during thefirst congestion control operation.

2) The apparatus according to 1), wherein, the controller is operativeto determine to use the exceptional resource pool further in a thirdcondition,

wherein the third condition includes that a second channel busy ratiomeasured during a second congestion control operation regarding theexceptional resource pool is lower than a second threshold.

3) The apparatus according to 2), wherein, the second threshold is samewith or different from the first threshold.

4) The apparatus according to 1), wherein, the controller is operativeto determine to use the exceptional resource pool further in a fourthcondition,

wherein, the fourth condition includes that priority of the at least onepacket determined to be dropped is higher than a third threshold.

5) The apparatus according to 1), wherein, the controller is operativeto determine whether to use the exceptional resource pool in a firststep of determining a subset of resources to be excluded during PhysicalSidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) resource selection or in a second stepof ranking candidate resources based on measured S-RSSI (SidelinkReceived Signal Strength Indicator) and selecting resources afterperforming the first step.

6) The apparatus according to 1), wherein, in a case that the controlleris operative to determine whether to use the exceptional resource poolin the first step, the controller is operative to:

increase a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference Signal Received Power) thresholdto allow more candidate resources within a resource selection window fora predetermined number of times until substantially m % resources oftotal resources are available;

if a channel busy ratio (CBR) measured within a CBR measurement windowis higher than a fourth threshold, determine to use the exceptionalresource pool without performing the second step; and

if CBR measured within a CBR measurement window is not higher than thefourth threshold, perform the second step.

7) The apparatus according to 1), wherein, in a case that the controlleris operative to determine whether to use the exceptional resource poolin the first step, the controller is operative to:

calculate a ratio of the number of the available resources to the numberof all resources without increasing a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference SignalReceived Power) threshold;

if the ratio is smaller than a fifth threshold, determine to use theexceptional resource pool without performing the second step;

if the ratio is not smaller than the fifth threshold, perform the secondstep.

8) The apparatus according to 5), wherein, the first step includesincreasing a S-RSRP threshold to allow more candidate resources within aresource selection window until substantially m % resources of totalresources are available and not including the congestion controloperation,

in a case that the controller is operative to determine whether to usethe exceptional resource pool in the second step after performing thefirst step, the controller is operative to:

if a channel busy ratio measured within a CBR measurement window ishigher than a fourth threshold, determine to select resources in theexceptional resource pool to use.

9) A method, at a first node, comprising:

a step of transmitting sidelink signals to a second node; and

a step of determining whether to use an exceptional resource pool basedon at least one of a first condition and a second condition, for thetransmitter to transmit sidelink signals,

wherein the first condition includes that a first channel busy ratiomeasured during a first congestion control operation regarding a currentresource pool is higher than a first threshold, and the second conditionincludes that at least one packet is determined to be dropped during thefirst congestion control operation.

10) The method according to 9), wherein, the step of determining furtherincludes determining to use the exceptional resource pool further in athird condition,

wherein the third condition includes that a second channel busy ratiomeasured during a second congestion control operation regarding theexceptional resource pool is lower than a second threshold.

11) The method according to 10), wherein, the second threshold is samewith or different from the first threshold.

12) The method according to 9), wherein, the step of determining furtherincludes determining to use the exceptional resource pool further in afourth condition,

wherein the fourth condition includes that priority of the at least onepacket determined to be dropped is higher than a third threshold.

13) The method according to 9), wherein, the step of determiningincludes determining whether to use the exceptional resource pool in afirst step of determining a subset of resources to be excluded duringPhysical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) resource selection or in asecond step of ranking candidate resources based on measured S-RSSI(Sidelink Received Signal Strength Indicator) and selecting resourcesafter performing the first step.

14) The method according to 9), wherein, in a case that the step ofdetermining includes determining whether to use the exceptional resourcepool in the first step, the step of determining includes:

increasing a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference Signal Received Power) thresholdto allow more candidate resources within a resource selection window fora predetermined number of times until substantially m % resources oftotal resources are available;

if a channel busy ratio (CBR) measured within a CBR measurement windowis higher than a fourth threshold, determining to use the exceptionalresource pool without performing the second step; and

if CBR measured within a CBR measurement window is not higher than thefourth threshold, performing the second step.

15) The method according to 9), wherein, in a case that the step ofdetermining includes determining whether to use the exceptional resourcepool in the first step, the step of determining includes:

calculating a ratio of the number of the available resources to thenumber of all resources without increasing a S-RSRP (Sidelink ReferenceSignal Received Power) threshold;

if the ratio is smaller than a fifth threshold, determining to use theexceptional resource pool without performing the second step;

if the ratio is not smaller than the fifth threshold, performing thesecond step.

16) The method according to 13), wherein, the first step includesincreasing a S-RSRP threshold to allow more candidate resources within aresource selection window until substantially m % resources of totalresources are available and not including the congestion controloperation,

in a case that the step of determining includes determining whether touse the exceptional resource pool in the second step after performingthe first step, the step of determining includes:

if a channel busy ratio measured within a CBR measurement window ishigher than a fourth threshold, determining to select resources in theexceptional resource pool to use.

17) A system, at a first node, comprising:

one or more processors;

a memory coupled with the one or more processors, when executed by theone or more processors, to perform the method according to anyone of9)-16).

The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, orsoftware in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in thedescription of each embodiment described above can be realized by aLarge-scale integrated (LSI) as an integrated circuit, and each processdescribed in the each embodiment may be controlled by LSI. They may beindividually formed as chips, or one chip may be formed so as to includea part or all of the functional blocks. They may include a data inputand output coupled thereto. The LSI here may be referred to as anintegrated circuit (IC), a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSIdepending on a difference in the degree of integration. However, thetechnique of implementing an integrated circuit is not limited to theLSI and may be realized by using a dedicated circuit or ageneral-purpose processor. In addition, a FPGA (Field Programmable GateArray) that can be programmed after the manufacture of the LSI or areconfigurable processor in which the connections and the settings ofcircuits cells disposed inside the LSI can be reconfigured may be used.

Examples of several embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail above, with reference to the attached illustrationsof specific embodiments. Because it is not possible, of course, todescribe every conceivable combination of components or techniques,those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications maybe made to the above described embodiments without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. For example, it will be readilyappreciated that although the above embodiments are described withreference to parts of a The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)network, an embodiment of the present disclosure will also be applicableto like networks, such as a successor of the 3GPP network, having likefunctional components.

Therefore, in particular, the terms 3GPP and associated or related termsused in the above description and in the enclosed drawings and anyappended claims now or in the future are to be interpreted accordingly.

The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, orsoftware in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in thedescription of each embodiment described above can be realized by an LSIas an integrated circuit, and each process described in the eachembodiment may be controlled by LSI. They may be individually formed aschips, or one chip may be formed so as to include a part or all of thefunctional blocks. They may include a data input and output coupledthereto. The LSI here may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a superLSI, or an ultra LSI depending on a difference in the degree ofintegration. However, the technique of implementing an integratedcircuit is not limited to the LSI and may be realized by using adedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, a FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after themanufacture of the LSI or a reconfigurable processor in which theconnections and the settings of circuits cells disposed inside the LSIcan be reconfigured may be used.

Notably, modifications and other embodiments of the discloseddisclosure(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended tobe included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific termsmay be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, at a first node, comprising:a transmitter operative to transmit sidelink signals to a second node;and a controller operative to determine whether to use an exceptionalresource pool based on a first condition being met and a secondcondition being met, for the transmitter to transmit sidelink signals,wherein the first condition includes that a first channel busy ratiomeasured during a first congestion control operation regarding a currentresource pool is higher than a first threshold, and the second conditionincludes that at least one packet is determined to be dropped during thefirst congestion control operation.
 2. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein, the controller is operative to determine to use theexceptional resource pool further in a third condition, wherein thethird condition includes that a second channel busy ratio measuredduring a second congestion control operation regarding the exceptionalresource pool is lower than a second threshold.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein, the second threshold is same with ordifferent from the first threshold.
 4. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein, the controller is operative to determine to use theexceptional resource pool further in a fourth condition, wherein, thefourth condition includes that priority of the at least one packetdetermined to be dropped is higher than a third threshold.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is operative todetermine whether to use the exceptional resource pool in a first stepof determining a subset of resources to be excluded during PhysicalSidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) resource selection or in a second stepof ranking candidate resources based on measured S-RSSI (SidelinkReceived Signal Strength Indicator) and selecting resources afterperforming the first step.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5,wherein, in a case that the controller is operative to determine whetherto use the exceptional resource pool in the first step, the controlleris operative to: increase a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference Signal ReceivedPower) threshold to allow more candidate resources within a resourceselection window for a predetermined number of times until substantiallym % resources of total resources are available; if a channel busy ratio(CBR) measured within a CBR measurement window is higher than a fourththreshold, determine to use the exceptional resource pool withoutperforming the second step; and if CBR measured within a CBR measurementwindow is not higher than the fourth threshold, perform the second step.7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, in a case that thecontroller is operative to determine whether to use the exceptionalresource pool in the first step, the controller is operative to:calculate a ratio of the number of the available resources to the numberof all resources without increasing a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference SignalReceived Power) threshold; if the ratio is smaller than a fifththreshold, determine to use the exceptional resource pool withoutperforming the second step; and if the ratio is not smaller than thefifth threshold, perform the second step.
 8. The apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein, the first step includes increasing a S-RSRP thresholdto allow more candidate resources within a resource selection windowuntil substantially m % resources of total resources are available andnot including the congestion control operation, in a case that thecontroller is operative to determine whether to use the exceptionalresource pool in the second step after performing the first step, thecontroller is operative to: if a channel busy ratio measured within aCBR measurement window is higher than a fourth threshold, determine toselect resources in the exceptional resource pool to use.
 9. A method,at a first node, comprising: a step of transmitting sidelink signals toa second node; and a step of determining whether to use an exceptionalresource pool based on a first condition being met and a secondcondition being met, for transmitting sidelink signals, wherein thefirst condition includes that a first channel busy ratio measured duringa first congestion control operation regarding a current resource poolis higher than a first threshold, and the second condition includes thatat least one packet is determined to be dropped during the firstcongestion control operation.
 10. The method according to claim 9,wherein, the step of determining further includes determining to use theexceptional resource pool further in a third condition, wherein thethird condition includes that a second channel busy ratio measuredduring a second congestion control operation regarding the exceptionalresource pool is lower than a second threshold.
 11. The method accordingto claim 10, wherein, the second threshold is same with or differentfrom the first threshold.
 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein,the step of determining further includes determining to use theexceptional resource pool further in a fourth condition, wherein thefourth condition includes that priority of the at least one packetdetermined to be dropped is higher than a third threshold.
 13. Themethod according to claim 9, wherein, the step of determining includesdetermining whether to use the exceptional resource pool in a first stepof determining a subset of resources to be excluded during PhysicalSidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) resource selection or in a second stepof ranking candidate resources based on measured S-RSSI (SidelinkReceived Signal Strength Indicator) and selecting resources afterperforming the first step.
 14. The method according to claim 13,wherein, in a case that the step of determining includes determiningwhether to use the exceptional resource pool in the first step, the stepof determining includes: increasing a S-RSRP (Sidelink Reference SignalReceived Power) threshold to allow more candidate resources within aresource selection window for a predetermined number of times untilsubstantially m % resources of total resources are available; if achannel busy ratio (CBR) measured within a CBR measurement window ishigher than a fourth threshold, determining to use the exceptionalresource pool without performing the second step; and if CBR measuredwithin a CBR measurement window is not higher than the fourth threshold,performing the second step.
 15. The method according to claim 13,wherein, in a case that the step of determining includes determiningwhether to use the exceptional resource pool in the first step, the stepof determining includes: calculating a ratio of the number of theavailable resources to the number of all resources without increasing aS-RSRP (Sidelink Reference Signal Received Power) threshold; if theratio is smaller than a fifth threshold, determining to use theexceptional resource pool without performing the second step; and if theratio is not smaller than the fifth threshold, performing the secondstep.
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, the first stepincludes increasing a S-RSRP threshold to allow more candidate resourceswithin a resource selection window until substantially m % resources oftotal resources are available and not including the congestion controloperation, in a case that the step of determining includes determiningwhether to use the exceptional resource pool in the second step afterperforming the first step, the step of determining includes: if achannel busy ratio measured within a CBR measurement window is higherthan a fourth threshold, determining to select resources in theexceptional resource pool to use.
 17. A system, at a first node,comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled with the one ormore processors, when executed by the one or more processors, toperform: a step of transmitting sidelink signals to a second node; and astep of determining whether to use an exceptional resource pool based ona first condition being met and a second condition being met, fortransmitting sidelink signals, wherein the first condition includes thata first channel busy ratio measured during a first congestion controloperation regarding a current resource pool is higher than a firstthreshold, and the second condition includes that at least one packet isdetermined to be dropped during the first congestion control operation.